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Home , Alpine Visitor Center, Kawuneeche Valley, Upper Beaver Meadows

Rocky Mountain National Park News U.S. Department of the Interior

The official newspaper of Rocky Mountain National Park Fall - 2013 September 3 - October 19 NPS Photo/Debbie Biddle

Visitor Centers East of the Divide – Estes Park Area Open daily (weather permitting) 10:30 a.m.-4:30 a.m. through Oct. 14. Features extraordinary views of alpine tundra, displays, information, bookstore, adjacent gift shop, cafe, and coffee bar. Call (970) 586-1222 for status. Beaver Meadows Visitor Center Open daily 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. through Sept. 29, then open daily 8 a.m.-4:30 Viewing p.m. Features spectacular free park movie, information, bookstore, large park orientation map, and backcountry permits in an adjacent building. Bull elk "bugle" to gather harems of cows, their shrill calls ringing out through the evening twilight. In the fall, you can see and hear the spectacle of the elk rut, their annual mating ritual. This activity is most easily Fall River Visitor Center experienced in the waning light of day. Open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. through Sept. 29. Beginning Sept. 30 open weekends only Oct. 5-6 and 12-13 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., closed for the season Oct. 14. Features beautiful life-size Prime elk viewing areas include: Moraine Park, , and Upper wildlife displays, a children’s discovery room, information, and Beaver Meadows on the east side of the park. a bookstore. On the west side, elk can often be seen throughout the , especially Holzwarth Meadow and Harbison Meadow. Moraine Park Visitor Center Closed

For the good of the animals and other visitors: • Park using roadside pullouts -- do not park on vegetation • Turn off car lights and engine upon parking • Stay by the roadside when viewing animals • Do not approach animals closely -- wildlife are unpredictable • Never use artificial lights or calls • Do not walk into posted meadows between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m.

• Watch for other cars & keep an eye on children Beaver Meadows Visitor Center • Never feed wildlife West of the Divide – Grand Lake Area Five meadows are closed to entry between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. daily from September 1 and October 31 to minimize disturbance to elk: Moraine Kawuneeche Visitor Center Park, Horseshoe Park, , Harbison Meadow, and Open daily 8 a.m.-6 p.m. though Sept. 7, then open daily 8 a.m.-5 p.m. through Holzwarth Meadow. Sept. 28, and open daily 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. throughout the remainder of the season. Features free movies, exhibits on wonders of the park, information, a bookstore, and backcountry permits. shuttle buses. no bicycle racks on areas must ride single file. There are Bicycles inNational Park Service Please ride cautiously. narrow with little or noshoulders. many roads are bike paths, and trails. There are no and but dirt, noton roads, both paved Bicycling is permitted on public Bicycles inthePark fire danger. prohibited during periods high of park campgrounds. Campfires can be Firewood is for sale insummer at all dead, is prohibited. vegetation, living or provided. Collecting fire grates are picnic areas where campgrounds and Campfires are permitted in Campfires Important Information 2 110K the date purchase. of $50 toentry both areas for one year from Annual Pass -Provides unlimited Arapaho National Recreation Area Rocky Mountain National Park/ the date purchase. of $40 toentry this park for one year from Annual Pass -Provides unlimited Rocky Mountain National Park date purchase. of $20 seven consecutive days, including Automobile 7-day passis valid for Entrance Fees Park Phone Numbers (970) 627-3215 Grand Lake: 1447County Rd. 491, • Winding River Resort (970) 627-1083 Grand Lake: 304 W. Portal Rd. (303) 747-2551 Allenspark: 211Main St. ( 970) 586-4577 -openyear-round. Estes Park: 1895Big Thompson Ave. • Sombrero Ranch Allenspark (303) 747-2222 • Wild Livery Basin Call forfallschedule Horseback Riding Services Visitor • Check for and

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Office at (970) 586-1242. lost items, call the Backcountry park visitor center. To inquire about Please turnfound items inat any Lost andFound Fishing at (970) 586-1206. contact the Park Information Office you• If have questions, please pub buildings are posted with signs at certain facilities inthis park; those • Federal law prohibits firearms in Rocky Mountain National Park. and target practice are notallowed in • Hunting, recreational shooting, federal firearms laws. comply with all applicable state and responsibility to understand and National Park. It is the visitor’s possess firearms in Rocky Mountain federal, , and local laws, to legally possessfirearms under A federal law allows people who fishing license. a valid Colorado state Park, you must have Mountain National To fish in Rocky entrance stations. visitor centers or park Obtain specific park regulations at vi

Firearms and residents age 62 or older. $10 for U.S. citizens or permanent SeniorLands Pass - A lifetime pass Parks and Federal Recreational America the Beautiful –National purchase. $80 amenity fee for one year from date of that charge anentrance or standard and use of, federal recreation sites everyone which provides access to, Pass Annual- Lands Available to Parks and Federal Recreational America the Beautiful –National Moraine Park (970) 586-2327 In Rocky Mountain National Park: Stables• HiCountry Lodge (970) 586-5890 YMCA Road on Highway 66at Glacier • CowPoke Corner Corral Stables (970) 586-5269 River Entrance on U.S. 34 Rocky Mountain Gateway near the Fall • National Park Gateway Stables Glacier Creek (970) 586-3244 deos!

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Route residents with apermanent disability. pass for U.S. citizens or permanent Lands Access Pass - A free lifetime Parks and Federal Recreational America the Beautiful –National Card or DDForm 1173)for one year. required proper identification (CAC personnel and dependents with Parks) for active duty military recreation sites (including National - Free unlimited to entry federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass National Parks and Federal America the Beautiful Pass Military - Pets andServiceAnimals centers and lists all regulations. A Pet Brochure is available at visitor other objects. not beleft tied to vehicles, trees or becomes apublic nuisance. Pets may creates adanger to the it animal or if your petunattended invehicles it if left unattended. You may notleave pets and their food should notbe park wildlife and other visitors, your petand for the protection of outside vehicles. For the safety of leashes nolonger than 6feet when areas. Pets must beon trails or inmeadow are never allowed on along roadsides. Pets campgrounds and only inpicnic areas, Pets are allowed inthe park but are considered pets. not service animals under ADA, but areas. Service dogs-in-training are buildings or other non-motorized pets. They may notaccess trails, park service animals but are considered support (“therapy animals”) are not Disabilities Act (ADA), emotional Under the Americans with disabled person. must bedoing sointhe a service of allowed inpark facilities, trails, etc., in the park. A service animal that is persons with disabilities are allowed specific tasks for the benefitof individually trained to perform Service animals that have been 6120 Hwy 7(970) 577-3448 Aspen Lodge Resort &Spa • Beaver Mountain Livery at (970) 586-3341 YMCA the of Rockies Livery • Jackson Stables • Meeker Park Stables Meeker Park (303) 747-2266

Lockers Dial 911 to report emergencies (970) 586-1319 from 8to 5daily Hearing impaired persons may call the at TTY

RMNP Podcasts Estes Park, (800)836-4008 Rock Climbing • Colorado Mountain School Mountaineering (970) 586-1839 Gifts, cafe, and coffee bar. • Trail Ridge Store Gifts andFood and chipmunks. • Never feed wildlife, including birds adi an F • Wildlife can beunpredictable. too close! c i t • Approaching animals may cause d vehicle completely off the road and I a • Use parking areas tr ar • Obey wildlife closure When viewing any wildlife, please: Wildlife Viewing If you If cause ananimal to move or not allowed. detectors within the park is in the park. The metal useof artifacts, soil, rocks, or vegetation including pinecones, rocks, antlers, taking any natural features Regulations prohibit disturbing and Take OnlyPictures while camping. See page 6for food storage recycling receptacles. must intrash bedisposed of or empty cans, food wrappers, etc., attractants. Garbage, including and bowls, and odoriferous drinks, toiletries, cosmetics, petfood notice. “Food items” include food, food items will result inaviolation Improperly stored or unattended unsecured or unattended. clean camp! Never leave food items black bears, to your campsite. Keep a notattractDo wildlife, including Food Storage Picnicking specific locations. Check the park map for Rocky Mountain National Park. Picnic areas are located throughout llness. hem stress, leading to disease or f notavailable,f pull your hange its behavior, you are long the road. or your safety and theirs, enjoy o notpark on vegetation. affic zones. eas and “nostopping” d photograph wildlife from stance.

Stay Safe

Picnicking Picnic areas are located throughout Rocky Mountain National Park. Falling Trees Check the park map for Mountain Climbing High Elevation Mountain Lions and Bears A large number of visitors to this park specific locations. Specialized skills and equipment may There are no grizzly bears in Rocky Falling trees are an ever-present be required to safely reach a summit. each year experience symptoms of Mountain National Park. Mountain hazard. When traveling or camping altitude sickness. Symptoms range Autumn climbing can present unique lions and black bears are powerful in the forest, remember that trees can challenges since lingering snow and ice from headache and dizziness to nausea fall without warning. Be particularly and potentially dangerous. Here are can be present. Summiting and eventually unconsciousness. watchful when it’s windy. Avoid some general guidelines for traveling in is not a hike, but a climb. Ask for Rocky Mountain has the highest parking where trees could fall. information before you climb or visit average elevation of any national park backcountry areas of Rocky Mountain the park website at http://www.nps.gov/ ‑- even the main road climbs to 12,183 where wildlife may be encountered: romo/planyourvisit/longspeak.htm feet! The road is higher than most U.S. 1) Travel in Groups and make noise as Hypothermia mountains. High altitude can also you hike. Keep your group, especially Hypothermia is a serious and aggravate existing medical conditions sometimes fatal condition brought children, close together. Hiking Safety such as heart and lung diseases. Take on by exposure to wet and cold. The With over 350 miles of trails, the park your time and be sure to drink plenty of 2) Do Not Approach a mountain lion core body temperature drops to a offers a vast array of choices. In autumn, water. The only cure for altitude or bear. level that impairs normal muscle and it can snow in the high country at any sickness is to go down to a lower 3) Stay Calm when you see a mountain brain activities. Symptoms include time. Please check at a visitor center for elevation. lion or bear. drowsiness, loss of judgment or current conditions before hiking. Even 4) Stop; back away slowly. Never turn coordination, slurred speech, and for short day trips, be sure to pack gear Avoid drinking untreated water from uncontrolled shivering. If these your back and run. for all types of weather (sun, rain, snow, streams and lakes as it may be symptoms occur, warm the chilled wind). Windproof/waterproof clothing contaminated with giardia. 5) Stand Tall and Look Large. Raise person with dry clothing and warm, is essential gear to wear or carry. your arms. Protect small children by nonalcoholic liquids. Get back to your picking them up. car and seek medical attention. Trail Tips. Stay together: this is the Lightning 6) Leave immediately if bear cubs are Carry a windproof/snowproof outer most important tip that comes from the People are killed by lightning every year present, or if a bear huffs, pops its jaw, shell and extra layers of clothing. Drink experience of park search and rescue in Colorado. Afternoon storms are plenty of water; high elevation, wind, stomps a paw, or if a bear or mountain teams! Be prepared for the rigors of frequent and can bring an unhappy end and cold can dry us out and chill us. high elevation -- drink plenty of water, to a hike. Watch for approaching lion doesn't leave the area. Most importantly, stay dry! and travel at a pace where you can storms and be well below treeline or 7) If approached, make loud noises, still talk and breathe easily. If you feel back in your car before the storm hits. shout, clap hands, clang pots and pans. poorly, descend to a lower elevation. If you are caught out in the open during 8) If attacked by a mountain lion or Pack it in, pack it out, including a lightning storm, do not seek shelter remains of all your food (pits, peels, under a tree or rock overhang. You bear, Fight Back! etc.), and facial tissues. Let nature’s want to squat down as low as you can, sounds prevail; avoid loud voices and keeping both feet together and avoid Weather and Road Conditions noises. Pets are not allowed on being the tallest thing around you. Keep park trails. your pack, hiking poles, and all metal Trail Ridge Road is open daily, weather permitting. Trail Ridge Road away from you while you are exposed. usually closes for season around mid-October. For current park road and driving conditions, please stop at a visitor center. Call the Trail Longs Peak Keyhole Route Ridge Road status line (970) 586-1222 for current road status. The Keyhole Route is NOT a hike! It is Be Prepared a climb with exposure requiring Be prepared for all types of weather, no Old is open when weather permits. It usually closes for scrambling where an unroped fall matter what activity you are enjoying in the season in early to mid-October. The road is narrow, one-way up would likely be fatal. The route has the national park. only, has tight switchbacks, and no guardrails. Vehicles over 25 feet long narrow ledges, loose rock, and steep and trailers are prohibited. cliffs. A permit is not required. The best route follows red and yellow Be aware of changing weather, as conditions can deteriorate quickly. bulls-eyes. If you lose the bulls-eyes Trail Ridge and Old Fall River Road can close temporarily at any time. you are likely off route and will Essentials to Wear and Carry The park Information Office operates seven days a week and can be encounter more difficult climbing with reached at (970) 586-1206. For more information see www.twitter.com/ more severe consequences. It is • Lots of water RMNPOfficial, or the park website at www.nps.gov and click on important to retrace your steps back to • High-energy food road conditions. the bulls-eyes before continuing. • Layers of clothing (jackets & pants), The Keyhole Route can experience including insulating, windproof winter-like conditions at any time, clothing like synthetic or wool requiring greater skill and judgment. Be • Sturdy footwear & extra socks prepared to turn back during sudden, • Storm gear drastic weather changes. • Hat and gloves The high elevation may affect your • Sunglasses with UV protection condition and judgment. Careful • Sunscreen descent is the best treatment. • First aid kit Don’t have summit fever: enjoy the • Topographic map & compass/GPS experience, but be willing to turn • Flashlight or headlamp around at any time. • Waterproof matches • Pocket knife • Whistle • Common sense!

Hearing impaired persons may call the TTY at (970) 586-1319 from 8 to 5 daily

Scan with your mobile device for Dial 911 to report emergencies Longs Peak on crisp fall day the Keyhole Route Site Bulletin. 3 Free Ranger Programs - Alpine & East Side All children must be accompanied by an adult Programs may be cancelled due to high winds or lightning Alpine Length Location SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

High Country Tails - Discover what 30 minute Alpine 2:00 2:00 2:00 2:00 alpine animals can tell us about living life on the talk mountaintops. Ends 10/14 Visitor Center p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. Daytime Programs - East Autumn Bird Walk - Join a ranger in search of Upper Beaver fall migrants in an excellent birding area. For all levels 1.5 hour 8 a.m. 8 a.m. 8 a.m. Meadows of birders. Bring binoculars and a field guide. walk Trailhead Ends 10/5 Autumn in the Rockies - Cool crisp air, beautiful fall colors, and bugling elk. Come on an easy 1 - 1.5 hour Upper Beaver 1:30 10 a.m. 1:30 walk to discover the many changes taking place this walk Meadows p.m. p.m. time of the year. Ends 9/27 Trailhead Enjoy an easy walk around a Lily Lake Stroll - 1- 1.5 hour Lily Lake 10:30 10:30 lovely lake beneath Longs Peak while exploring the walk parking lot natural and human forces that have shaped a.m. a.m. this landscape. Ends 10/10

Bear Necessities - The bear went over the 20-30 Beaver 10:30 10:30 10:30 10:30 mountain, the bear went over the mountain….to see minute talk Meadows a.m. a.m. this terrific program. Join a ranger to learn all about a.m. a.m. Visitor Center black bears.

Predators of Rocky - Discover the secret 20-30 Fall River 11:00 11:00 11:00 11:00 11:00 11:00 11:00 lives of Rocky's predators and how they shape the minute talk Visitor Center a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. ecosystem. Ends 9/29

Amazing Beavers - Beavers drastically change 20-30 Beaver 10:30 10:30 10:30 their environment, and they have wonderful minute talk Meadows a.m. a.m. a.m. adaptations to do so. Ends 10/14 Visitor Center Sheep Lakes Elk Echoes - Learn about elk adaptations, 30 minute Parking Lot & 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 66 p.m.p.m. migration, and mating behavior. Ends 10/14 talk Moraine Park Programs held simultaneously at both locations. Visitor Center Amphitheater

Bear Lake Stroll - Enjoy an easy walk around a lovely subalpine lake and learn about the natural and 1-1.5 hour 1:30 1:30 1:30 human forces that have shaped this landscape. Ranger Station p.m. p.m. p.m. Ends 9/30

Fire in the Forest - Explore the dynamic changes Cub Lake 1-1.5 hour 9 a.m. 9 a.m. 9 a.m. that fire brings to the landscape. Ends 10/4 walk Trailhead Evening Programs - East Beaver Meadows Evening Program 45 minute Beaver 7 p.m. Enjoy a wide variety of informative and talk Meadows Ends entertaining programs. Visitor Center Auditorium Sept. 28 Beaver Night with an Artist 45 minute 7 p.m. Meadows Explore the world of art through the eyes talk Visitor Center Sept. 4 and ears of a Musician and composer. Only Auditorium Junior Ranger Heart of the Rockies Free Junior Ranger books are available at park visitor centers for children ages 12 and under. A successfully completed Teachers, Parents, Students! book earns a badge! You are an important part of this park. Stay in touch. Rocky Mountain National Park’s “Heart of the Rockies” education Contact us anytime at: program provides an outdoor classroom to children throughout the [email protected] region. Teachers who are interested in participating in this program may contact the park’s Education Specialist at (970) 586-3777, or through the Los libros de guardaparque juveniles son website at www.heartoftherockies.net para niños que tiene 12 años o menos. se pueden obtener sin costo en el centro de visitantes del parque. Si se completa el libro con éxito puede recibir una insignia! Free Park Movie

See the stunning 23-minute park movie at both the Beaver at Kawuneeche Visitor Center and Captioned and Audio Meadows Visitor Center from 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. and at the Description versions are available at Beaver Meadows Visitor Kawuneeche Visitor Center during normal business hours. Center. Available in both Español (translation headsets This film features spectacular aerial footage of the rugged available upon request) and English at Beaver Meadows and high country of Rocky Mountain National Park, as well as Kawuneeche visitor centers.

4 wildlife and park history. A Captioned version is available Free Ranger Programs - West Side All children must be accompanied by an adult All children must be accompanied by an adult Programs may be cancelled due to high winds or lightning Programs may be cancelled due to high winds or lightning SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT Length Location Walks and Hikes SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 2:00 Wilderness Connections – A moderate hike Onahu 1 p.m. 10 a.m. p.m. on a new section of the 1.5-2 hours featuring a lovely meadow and creek. 2 miles Trailhead Sundays only after 9/18, ends 9/29 Valley River Walk - Explore ecology 1 hour Coyote Valley and history on this easy walk along the Colorado 10 a.m. 1 mile Trailhead 10 a.m. River. No program 9/7 or 9/26, ends 9/28

Rocky Mountain Heritage Walk - Learn Holzwarth 1.5 hours about the human history of the Kawuneeche Valley Historic Site 1 mile 10 a.m. while strolling to the grounds of an historic guest Parking Area ranch. Ends 9/17

Beyond The Falls - A pleasant stroll to Adams 1.5 hours East Inlet 1 p.m. 10 a.m. Falls and a spectacular view just beyond. Ends 9/20 1 mile Trailhead Evening Programs - West Timber Creek Campground Evening Timber Creek Program - Check at the campground or 1 hour Campground 7:45 7:45 7:45 Kawuneeche Visitor Center for topics. presentation Amphitheater p.m. p.m. p.m. Fri-Sat only after 9/12, ends 9/21 Special Programs Behind The Scenes - Short videos documenting how the park addresses challenges 1 hour Kawuneeche 10:30 10:30 3:15 3:15 like elk management, pine beetles, and bear safety. presentation Visitor Center a.m. a.m. p.m. p.m. Sundays only after 9/21, ends 9/29 Skins And Things - Examine the skins, skulls, 40 minute antlers, teeth and bones of many park mammals. talk Kawuneeche 3:15 3:15 3:15 3:15 3:15 Weekends only after 9/21, ends 10/13 Visitor Center p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.

66 p.m.p.m. Elk Day, Kawuneeche Visitor Center 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 7 only Learn all about these bugling beauties in a special 1:30 day of elk activities. Rangers will be on hand at the p.m. Kawuneeche Visitor Center with fun family activities to share. Please drop in!

Recycling Available in Major Park Locations 7 p.m. Resource Issues Tell Me More About the Fences Research has shown that the elk herd in Rocky Mountain National Park and the Estes Valley, is larger, less migratory and more concentrated than it would be under natural conditions. As a result, willow and aspen stands were declining, depriving other wildlife of the important habitat they need. Fences are one of the many tools we are using in the implementation of the park’s Elk and Vegetation Management Plan.

Each fall since 2008, the park has installed exclosure fences on elk winter range in the Moraine Park, Beaver Meadows, Kawuneeche Valley and Horseshoe Park areas. These exclosures are protecting important riparian willow and aspen habitat from elk browsing.

Elk exclosure fence

5 Fall Camping 2013 PARK Elev # sites Reservable Fall Max Fall Notes CAMPGROUND (feet) in Firewood RV/Trailer Dump fall & Ice Length Station Aspenglen 8220 53 Yes through Sept. Yes 30’ No Located on US Highway. 23, then rst- 34 by the Fall River come, rst-served Entrance. through Sept. 28. Glacier Basin Closed 2013

Longs Peak 9405 26 Always rst-come, Firewood Tents only No rst-served only - Located o Highway 7 south Open year-round while the of Estes Park. Flush toilets water is on summer; vault toilets winter.

Moraine Park 8160 244 Yes Yes Limited # of RV/ Yes Located via Bear Lake Road Open year-round. trailer sites up to •Flush toilets, except B & E Loops Reservable though Sept. 14, In 2013, B Loop is Daily in 40’ have vault toilets year-round. then rst-come, rst-served always rst-come, Sept. •D Loop: no generators allowed. though Sept. 28. This rst-served •Pay phones. campground will then be •On fall shuttle route. temporarily closed for paving and will reopen date TBD in October.

Timber Creek 8900 98 Always rst-come, Firewood 30’ Yes The only west side Open year-round rst-served only campground. No shade due to hazard tree removal.

It is common for all park campgrounds to fill up on At All Standard Campsites Food Storage most summer days and fall weekends. • No more than eight people may camp at a Do not attract wildlife, including black bears, to Reservations for late-May through September can be given site. your campsite. Keep a clean camp! Never leave food made six months to one day in advance and are highly • All campsites, including RV sites, have a tent items unsecured or unattended. Improperly stored or recommended. Make a reservation online at pad, picnic table and fire grate. unattended food items will result in a violation notice. Shared food storage lockers are available www.reserveamerica.com or • “Food items” include food, drinks, toiletries, cosmetics, throughout all campgrounds. www.recreation.gov (1-877-444-6777). pet food and bowls, and odoriferous attractants. Overnight stays in Rocky Mountain National Park • Tents must fit on the tent pad; two or three tents are allowed, as long as they fit. Garbage, including empty cans, food wrappers, etc., must be in a campground (or a backcountry site). You must be disposed of in trash or recycling receptacles. may not stay overnight in your car or RV along a road • There are no electric, water or sewer hookups Hummingbird feeders and bird feeders are attractants or at a trailhead. at any park campsites. •Showers - Bring a solar-heated shower bag to hang for wildlife such as raccoons, elk, deer, and bears and are Fees to Camp in the stall facility (no running water) at Moraine Park not allowed in campgrounds. Coolers, dirty stoves, grills, • When the water is off (winter), Campground. There are no other shower facilities in non-disposable tableware and cookware must be washed Timber Creek and Moraine Park Loop B the park, but showers are available in nearby and stored in the same manner as food. Camp kitchens campgrounds are $14/site/night. communities. Portable showers are prohibited except • When the water is on (summer), all must be kept clean and individual items properly stored. in the solar shower facility in Moraine Park Camp- campgrounds are $20.00/site/night. In campgrounds, store all food items in food storage ground. Remember, toiletries attract wildlife and need • America the Beautiful Senior and Access Pass lockers; if full, store food items by one of the following to be properly stored when not in use. holders receive a 50% discount on camping methods: fees. • Inside vehicle trunks; be sure windows are closed and Pets • Park entrance fees and camping fees can be All campgrounds allow pets with certain restrictions: doors are locked. paid by cash, check or credit card any time they must be on a leash no longer than six feet; pet • In vehicles without trunks, items should be placed as of year. owners must pick up and dispose of pet excrement in low in the vehicle passenger compartment as possible STAY LIMITS trash receptacles; pets may not make noise that and covered from sight, with windows closed and The maximum length of stay is seven nights total impact visitors or wildlife. Pets are never allowed on doors locked. between June 1 and September 30, plus an additional any park trails or in meadow areas. Pets should never • Visitors with convertibles or motorcycles are 14 nights between October 1 and May 31. Stay limits be left unattended. Keep a clean camp! Never leave pet encouraged to use food storage lockers, available in all are on a parkwide basis rather than on a per food unsecured or unattended. park campgrounds. Food storage lockers, which are campground basis. approximately 3 ft x 4 ft x 3 ft are shared with other visitors and cannot be locked. Food storage locker symbols are located on all campground maps. Backcountry Camping

Permits are required for all overnight backcountry camping, and reservations are recommended for summer. Camping is allowed only in designated sites and areas. Permits may be obtained at the Beaver Meadows Backcountry Office or Kawuneeche Visitor Center. For For your safety and the protection of park further information write to: Backcountry Office, Rocky Mountain wildlife, carry in/carry out, commerically- National Park, Estes Park, Colorado 80517 or phone (970) 586-1242. made, hard-sided, bear-resistant food The administrative permit fee of $20 is required for backcountry storage canisters are required of all permits between May 1 and October 31; there is no charge in winter. backcountry campers parkwide between May 1 and October 31. Accessible Backcountry Campsite Canisters may be rented or purchased at Reservations and information are available through the Backcountry outdoor shops in surrounding communities. Office at (970) 586-1242. This site accommodates 12 campers with a maximum of five wheelchair users at the camp. The administrative Pack out all garbage. permit fee is $20 from May 1 to October 31.

6 Park Partners

Food Storage Do not attract wildlife, including black bears, to your campsite. Keep a clean camp! Never leave food items unsecured or unattended. Improperly stored or unattended food items will result in a violation notice. “Food items” include food, drinks, toiletries, cosmetics, Love Rocky Mountain National Park? pet food and bowls, and odoriferous attractants. Garbage, including empty cans, food wrappers, etc., Help us make it even better! must be disposed of in trash or recycling receptacles. Hummingbird feeders and bird feeders are attractants If you’ve walked the Lily Lake for wildlife such as raccoons, elk, deer, and bears and are Trail, explored the Fall River not allowed in campgrounds. Coolers, dirty stoves, grills, Visitor Center, or introduced non-disposable tableware and cookware must be washed a child to nature through the and stored in the same manner as food. Camp kitchens park’s Junior Ranger Program, must be kept clean and individual items properly stored. you know our work. In campgrounds, store all food items in food storage lockers; if full, store food items by one of the following Rocky Mountain methods: Nature Association • Inside vehicle trunks; be sure windows are closed and Become a Member doors are locked. or donate today! www.rmna.org • In vehicles without trunks, items should be placed as low in the vehicle passenger compartment as possible and covered from sight, with windows closed and At RMNA Stores, doors locked. Your Purchase • Visitors with convertibles or motorcycles are encouraged to use food storage lockers, available in all Makes A Difference park campgrounds. Food storage lockers, which are Visit RMNA stores in any park visitor approximately 3 ft x 4 ft x 3 ft are shared with other center for the best RMNP t-shirts, visitors and cannot be locked. Food storage locker games, jewelry, books, maps and other great park items. symbols are located on all campground maps. Proceeds support the park! w Alpine Visitor Center w Beaver Meadows Visitor Center w Fall River Visitor Center w Kawuneeche Visitor Center w Longs Peak Ranger Station

EEDUCATIONAL AADVENTURES && TTOURS IN THE PARK! ROCKY MOUNTAIN FIELD SEMINARS

Photography j Wildlife j Bus Tours j Hiking j Classes for kids! Call 970-586-3262 www.rmna.org Ask at any visitor center for more information 7 Rocky Mountain National Park Free Shuttle Bus Using Rocky Mountain National Park's free shuttle bus service enables you to access many destinations and loop hikes along the Bear Lake corridor, while enjoying the beautiful scenery without the distraction and hassle of traffic congestion and limited parking.

Bear Lake Shuttle May 25-October 13: buses operate daily between Park & A park pass is required to board the Ride and Bear Lake, leaving Moraine Park Shuttle Hiker Shuttle, and may be purchased at Park & Ride every 10-15 May 25-October 13: buses automated machines at Estes Park and minutes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. operate daily between Park & Beaver Meadows visitor centers. Ride and Bus Stop, The Bear Lake Route is based leaving Park & Ride every 30 at the Park & Ride shuttle bus Hiker Shuttle minutes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. parking area across from the May 25-September 2 daily, plus Glacier Basin Campground. weekends through October 13. The Moraine Park Route is Buses operate between Estes Park based at the Park & Ride shuttle Visitor Center and Park & Ride bus parking area across from the on an hourly schedule from 6:30 Glacier Basin Campground. a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and a half‑hour schedule between 10 a.m. & 6 p.m.

The Hiker Shuttle stops at the Estes Park Visitor Center, the park’s Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, and Park & Ride where passengers can transfer to either the Bear Lake Route or the Moraine Park Route.

Horseshoe Park Trail Ridge Road 34 34 Fern Lake Estes Park Bus Stop Moraine Park Beaver Meadows Campground C Loop Entrance Visitor Beaver Center Meadows N Cub Lake Visitor Trailhead Center LakeLAKE Estes 36 EST S Moraine Park 34 Visitor Center 36 7 Bear Lake Road Hollowell Park Tuxedo Park Park & Park & Ride Trailhead Ride Features parking, toilets, Glacier Basin helpful staff, and serves as Bear Lake Road Campground a transfer point between (Closed 2013) the Bear Lake & Moraine Bear Park Shuttles. Water is not Lake Sprague available; bring a bottle of Lake water with you. Glacier Gorge Trailhead

Hiker Shuttle Express Route Stops at Park & Ride, Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, and the Estes Park Visitor Center only Bear Lake Route Moraine Park Route Shuttle Bus Stop The park newspaper is produced by Rocky Mountain National Park in cooperation with -- and funding provided by -- the Rocky Mountain Nature Association. Printed on recycled paper. 8